Hails Library, More
To The Editor:

I am really pleased upon hearing on the radio and also in the Aug. 1, 2007 issue of the Gazette several positive pieces of legislation or donations that will contribute to positive quality of life for all of our Astoria, Queens residents, as well as for our city. Thank you, Gazette, for informing us about the generous large donation of Astoria Federal Bank to the new Long Island City library. Through such philanthropy, our new library can grow, flourish and become and educational, learning, intellectual an recreational haven and oasis for our Astoria residents. It is refreshing and wonderful to read about such caring, especially in a world where the negative is broadcast and printed.

I applaud our U.S. Congressmember, Carolyn Maloney, for being such an instrumental force in obtaining federal funding for the new Second Avenue subway. This new subway will ease the passenger load on the Lexington Avenue line, which is the most crowded subway and also enable freedom of movement and enhance our economy in years to come.

I also heard that the Homeland Security Department on the federal level is planning to restore funds to our city. [Congressmember] Peter King has been instrumental in bringing this about in addition to our Carolyn Maloney. We applaud the lawmakers for their dedication and caring about the needs of our city and state.

I agree with the mayor as to the use of cellphones in schools. Students use them to text message during classes, to cheat on exams, to talk to friends and this wastes class time and learning. There is a time for everything. There is a designated time and place for everything and learning and teaching belong in the classroom

In addition, there should be more strict enforcement of the law banning the use of handheld cellphones during driving. I have noticed many taxi drivers using cellphones and driving and not paying attention to the road. This causes dangerous conditions to drivers, to passengers, to pedestrians and to other drivers.

Let us use water and electricity with wise conservation during these hot weather days. They are our precious commodities and we must not take them for granted.

A happy enjoyable August to all. Cynthia Groopman Long Island City